Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Experience Mean?
Experience is defined as the knowledge or understanding that is obtained through practical involvement in, or exposure to, an activity or event. This is generally considered to be different to the kind of theoretical knowledge that comes from reading books or gaining factual knowledge.
In yoga, the term is primarily used to describe the act and time during which yoga is actively practiced and engaged with. It can describe the immediate perception of the yoga practice as it arises. Alternatively, it may describe the level of mastery and understanding a yogi has reached through their practice over time. This may be a level of physical aptitude in the yoga asanas, or a level of understanding and knowledge into what yoga is and represents.
Yoga and religious traditions, such as Buddhism, emphasize the importance of direct experience in order to progress on one’s spiritual path.
Yogapedia Explains Experience
In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, yoga is outlined as an experiential practice. His first sutra of “Atha yoga anushasanam,” or “Now, the teachings of yoga,” is a reminder that all yoga teachings bring us into the present moment. It is through being present and having an experience of the now that the Self can be identified and understood.
For many students, the experience of yoga is a spiritual journey. It is considered more important to train the mind to be focused, balanced and present than it is to gain physical mastery of the poses. In this way, yoga experience can be thought of as progression on the spiritual path to becoming your highest Self and gaining freedom.
It is said that there are three crucial factors to gaining experience in yoga:
- Committing to the practice for a long time, even a lifetime
- Practicing regularly, both on and off the yoga mat
- Having sincere intentions in the practice
This allows for an experience of yoga and the benefits of yoga which goes far deeper than simply improved physical health, strength and wellness. Yoga experience in this way is said to help people become more peaceful, content and joyful, as they travel the path to spiritual liberation.
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your Doshas May Be Unbalanced.
To help you bring attention to your doshas and to identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.
Try not to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.